ONESHOT!! Set to s4, Reader isn't in the same school as Mike but they're still friends!!!, no upside down, not proofread
cw: feeling left out, birthday blues ofc, hurt to comfort, that's it I think
authors note: my birthday kind of sucked so I js wanted to insert my story then add some romantic twist to feel better + I love writing so wtv
—⑅—
You thought everything would be great on your birthday, but it started out the worst. You had a birthday twin in class and...
Before classes this morning (yes, you had class on your birthday), only about two people greeted you, and you were grateful they remembered. But when your classmate entered the room, everyone burst into song and clapped. The whole class smiled at him, and the voices rang in your ears as you stared into nothing. The weight in your chest was heavy, and your foot tapped repeatedly against the polished wooden floor. It felt like everyone forgot your birthday. You were constantly left out.
It wasn't that big of a deal or anything, but it hurt because you figured your classmates didn't want you around as much. Everyone gave you looks whenever you didn't reply properly, but you were just awkward. You didn't do anything wrong, you were just shy.
The whole day went on normally, like every single day. After classes, you hung out with your friends, but it didn't feel active. Everyone was on their phones and it was awkward. You had literally spent about $200 on them. You even gave them $60 cash. But nothing had been as exciting ever since you became a teenager. You ate silently at the table while your friends stared into their screens. It made you feel so sick. You thought it would finally be exciting, but no, it wasn't.
You thought this year everything would change and you'd finally feel alive, but as always, it was more miserable than last year.
You arrived home alone since your parents were still at work. Suddenly, you spotted your aunt and cousin, they held a cake for you and placed it on the table.
"Happy birthday, [Name]. Come on, sit by your cake and let me take a picture of you," your aunt greeted you with a smile, a camera slung over her shoulder.
You nodded. "Okay..." The word that came out of your mouth was silent. Too silent.
The camera flashed into your eyes as you just stood by your cake. You flinched and held tightly onto your necklace, toying with it. The flash of the camera left a brief, bright blur of vision, making the kitchen feel more emptier than before.
Your aunt smiled at you before checking the photo on the screen, and your cousin gave you a sympathetic smile, noticing your low energy. You know they meant well, you genuinely appreciated the cake but it still didn't help the heavy, empty feeling in your chest that had been building up since this morning.
After a few slices of cake and small, quiet conversations, they all had to leave eventually, greeting you one last happy birthday before the door shut.
Once again, the house was quiet. Your parents were too busy working for celebrating your birthday, and you loved that you would have some alone time but you didn't love feeling lonely.
You walked up the stairs to your bedroom, the backpack hitting the floor with a loud thud. You sat on the edge of your bed, sighing.
You didn't think your birthday would be this disappointing. Your friend's who stuck their faces into their phones, your classmates barely acknowledging you even on your birthday, it was just sad, honestly. You felt bad even for yourself.
Suddenly, you heard something tampering with your window, you figured it was probably a raccoon.
Then, you heard a familiar voice.
"Hey.. the door was locked so uh- I thought.. uh.."
You turned around, then giggled. Whenever Mike was there, you couldn't help but laugh everytime. "what are you doing here, Mike???"
"Happy birthday! I got you a gift."
"What is it?" You stood up and walked to him, he suddenly threw his hands behind his back. "What? What is it??"
Mike chuckled awkwardly and then slowly held out the Walkman, music tape, your favorite drink and a flower crown.
"Huh?"
"Just take it.." He rubbed the back of his neck while looking away.
"A flower crown? Who taught you this?"
"Erm, just.. Just take it!!" He pushed the gift on to your chest.
"Fine!!" You chuckled and grabbed his gift, dropping it on to your bed.
"Thank you, Mike."
"You're welcome, uh..uh happy birthday."
Without thinking, you leaned over and wrapped your arms around his neck, burying your face into his shoulder.
Mike froze for a second before slowly sliding his arms securely on to your waist, pulling you slightly closer and resting his chin on the top of your head. He smelled like the crisp outside air and faint laundry detergent, the scent that made you knew you were home.
"I had the worst day today, Mike.." you whispered into his jacket.
"On your birthday? They're idiots, [Name]." He said softly, hand pressing on your back gently.
You pulled back enough to just look at him, your faces only inches apart. Mike didn't look away this time, instead he gave a small grin.
"Now, lets listen to the music tape I got you, lets see if I got the track order right or Dustin messed with it."
cw: bullying mentioned, minor angst to comfort?, mike isnt dating el, set to s4. I think thats it!
Reader is finally able to fit in with the popular people in highschool due to the harrington legacy, you finally found your spotlight but can you keep a boy who was there for you in the dark?
authors note?..: early happy birthday to me🤤! I've never written a fic this long.. im actually js shocked I was able to write this, like, genuinely. And like, im a loser irl so, and somehow I was able to write all of this despite my homework overload
—
Getting bullied wasn't easy, your thoughts would consume you knowing how you couldn't even fit in with the quiet kids as well.
Overthinking made you aware, you noticed everything. Even things you weren't supposed to, it was so hard to walk past by people without thinking they're laughing at you.
But, thank God. You met Mike, and he introduced you to his other friends and right then and there you knew you belonged there.
Until it felt like you weren't anymore. Atleast, for Mike.
Before summer vacation ended, you've grown up and started using more makeup, starting diets, exercising, fixing your appearance. Your hair would be neatly tied, braided or those perfect blowouts- but only on special occasions because who would be that insane to wake up early just to do that hairstyle???
Overtime, you became a bit more confident and you were able to socialise easily when highschool started. People around you gave you compliments, started talking to you. Although, you've doubted them at times, maybe they only talked to you because you were a Harrington, connected to Steve (who won't stop haunting your life no matter where you go.)
You slipped your way in to the cheerleaders table too! They suggested you to join their club and you already made your decision, you were definitely gonna join.
But, when you were about to sign up..
Mike and Dustin came from behind, causing you to flinch a bit when Mike started talking.
"[Name], I thought we would be in hellfire club? Like we've always planned."
You chuckled nervously, scratching the back of your neck, looking up at him. He's grown really tall over the years.. "Well, i want to try something new from hanging out with you guys.. Its not that im getting tired, I just want to experiment!"
Dustins eyebrow raised, "Experiments dont always end up good, you know that right? I mean- look at those people, [Name]. We're not them.." he bowed down and looked up at you before whispering, "We've fought demogorgons.."
You turned to Dustin, "Experiments can also turn out good! So shush."
Dustin shook his head and tsked in a joking manner, he crossed his arms, "Okay, but dont say I didn't warn you, [Name]."
Mike stared at you like you were the experiment and suddenly, going back into the oversized sweaters you wore back then doesn't sound so bad. He was genuinely baffled by your decision and you felt really bad for ditching hellfire club. But.. Maybe its time for change.
"Yeah, an experiment. Because Chrissy Cunningham and the basketball team is just some science project." Mike butted in, his eyebrows furrowed. "But, then again its your choice." He looked soo annoyed...
"Drop it, Mike." You muttered while looking around nervously. The hallway was filled with slamming lockers and obnoxious conversations. There were jocks around and Jason Carver, you did not want them to see you getting scolded by one of the hellfire club members, because, nowadays people are writing articles of how demonic D&D is.
"I'm serious, [Name]!" Mike held his hands out, "You're saying you wanna change just because you got some lousy compliments and an invite to a stupid table that proves how the privilege around here is with pretty people! They probably didn't even know your name 3 months ago!" Mike crossed his arms back on each other.
"They know my name now." You snapped, slamming the locker closed. The words that vomited through your mouth wasn't supposed to be as sharp as you intended.
Dustin flinched slightly and Mikes expression hardened. His hands clenched into fists and he sighed, "Yeah." He scoffed, "Because of Steve. They're addicted to the effect of what the name Harrington brings. Don't forget who was there for you in the first place." Then, Mike turned his heel and walked away.
Dustin looked at you for a second longer, conflicted. Before he went jogging to catch up with Mike.
You sighed and turned to the paper on the board. The pen felt heavy and your chest was hammering.
After years of being made fun of, of feeling invisible and overthinking every single sound that came out of people's mouths. Pretending to handle the confident legacy of Steve Harrington just well..
But your head turned to Mike and Dustin before they disappeared into the hallways, your stomach formed a tight knot and it was suffocating.
You ended up signing your name on the cheerleader sheet. Ignoring the choking knot in your throat and stomach.
— a few weeks later,
The day of auditioning.
You woke up extra early to style your hair while Steve supported you in the background. Your hands were shaky and sweating. You've been waiting for this moment and you really hoped you wouldn't screw up over this..
Then, the phone rang.
You hoped it was Mike, maybe he would say "hey sorry for what I've done I was stupid hshdhd" or.. atleast talk to you again. Lately, he's been blatantly rude to you and making you feel invisible. it really did hurt, all this, over you signing up for cheerleading? Its not like you stopped sitting beside them. You did, sometimes.. but you would hang out with one of the party like every single day.
You jumped out of your chair, from your bedroom to your kitchen and took the phone, "Hello...Mike?" You mumbled quietly.
Turns out, it was just El. "I called to cheer you on, [Name]."
You let out a sigh of disappointment then stopped, "How'd you know, El?? Aren't you in california? Pfft-"
"Mike wrote to me, and Will told. I hope you pass"
You can hear the smile in her voice, she was so cute. You loved El with all of your heart. El's sweet tone always comforted you.
"Thank you, El. Seriously.." you twisted the phone cord with a smile, "I needed that."
"You will be great." El said firmly. "Goodbye, [Name]"
"Goodbye, El.." When you hung up, you let out a sigh. Steve was leaning against the kitchen counter, twirling the car keys with his finger while watching you with that usual older brother protective look..
"So, about Wheeler."
"Shut up.." You muttered and applied on lip gloss before grabbing your gym bag, "Let's just go, im gonna be late."
"If you say so, but if you need anyt-"
"You're here, yes. I know.." you cut Steve off and walked out.
Steve sighed, "I miss when she was just a little kid." He muttered under his breath.
—
You arrived in school, you grabbed your bag and before you could step out the car, Steve stopped you, turning to you and grabbing your shoulder.
"Look, dont let Wheeler get into your mind, alright?"
You nodded quietly, "Yeah, of course."
Steve smiled at you, "Im proud.. I guess, its hard watching you grow up. Don't forget, you're a Harrington. Don't let whatever voice get into you."
You smiled back, then Steve ruffled your hair. You frowned, "Steve!!!!"
—
You sat quietly on the bench, feet tapping nervously on the ground as if the world would end if you didn't. You were the last in line and while waiting, your eyes darted everywhere, watching the auditioners effortlessly do their choreography perfectly was killing you. What if you couldn't be just enough for them? What then? Go back to the party and apologize for looking like an idiot and thinking you even had a chance with the popular people?
You shook your head, then, you spotted Dustin at the huge gym doors, he stood there with an unreadable expression, arms crossed. He walked over to you and your world slowly crushed, you couldn't be seen with him in the gym with the cheerleaders..
You immediately stood up, walking behind the benches so no one could see you. He finally arrived and Dustin shook your shoulders.
"[Name], are you sure you want to really fall into the propaganda? This is your last chance you know."
"This is not propaganda! And how did you know it was time for auditioning???"
Dustin chuckled nervously, "Well.. this and that." You glared at him. "It was just on the clipboard! Listen.. Mike's upset, you and Lucas changed, alot."
You frowned, "Then let Mike talk to me. You're not changing my mind over some 'Mike's upset!' Dustin. Because you're not him. He should communicate about his feelings rather than making other people do it for him!" You sighed, "Im pissed, Dustin. You guys say im just falling for the 'propaganda' but what propaganda are you guys talking about?!" You exclaimed, waving your hands around, "Im completely content, im satisfied. I know what I'm doing, so if one persons just upset about this then so be it. If he wants me to not join then let him talk to me and I'll think about it."
Dustin stood there, dumbfounded. You shook your head in disappointment and rubbed your temples, "Just, leave me alone.. I know what I'm getting myself into and I'm independent. Just because I hung out with the cheerleading team doesn't mean I dont love you guys anymore, okay?.."
Dustin nodded, "Right.. yeah. I'll go talk to him."
"Thank you, Dustin."
Suddenly, your name got called.
"Next up! [Name] Harrington!!!"
You immediately rushed out and Dustin sighed, dropping his shoulders.
You ran as your sneakers screeching on the polished wood. You fixed your hair and took your position. The upbeat 80s pop music blasted through the speakers and your whole body moved on instinct, you move through with the choreography you practiced until your limbs ached like hell. The bright, practiced smile, you forced yourself to look confident in order to convince them all, to represent your name with what everyone expects from a Harrington.
When it all finally ended, the last high kick and snap into your closing pose, breathing heavily and flushed. The cheer table suddenly erupted into applause.
You did it.
"You did it! Welcome to the cheerleading squad, Harrington." Chrissy jogged up to you, handing you a varsity ribbon.
Everyone went up to you, offering high fives and compliments. After all these years of trying to fit in to the social circles, you finally got the validation you've always wanted. You looked down to your varsity ribbon and remembered Mikes expression.
Everything felt weird, the victory didn't feel well deserved without a congratulations from the party. The heavy weight in your chest started again and it was really suffocating.
Then, Lucas went up to you, "[Name], congrats." Holding his hand up for a high five, "Lucas.." you mumbled, "is this wrong?"
Lucas' eyebrow raised, "What do you mean?"
"Well.. can we talk about this when we're alone.. later?"
"Yeah, okay. Sure."
And then, everyone pushed you out the gym, cheering you over the Harrington name. "You did great, [Name]!" One of the girls called out, you forced another practiced smile and in the hallways you scanned around the hallways and spotted Mike. He looked at you like he didn't know you.
Your eyes kept darting back to Mikes. He looked at you like you were one of the 'mean people' and it hurt. Your childhood friend who's always been there for you, turned his back on you just because you signed up for something new, something you wanted to experience and experiment on. He was straight on staring at you. He was no longer angry, he was just cold.
The hallway was a chaotic blur, slamming lockers, laughing and the loud voice of Jason Carver, but everything felt still between you and Mike.
You took a half step forward but thats when you knew he didn't want to give you the chance. Mike's gaze abruptly shifted to something else and he held on to his books tighter and slammed his locker closed, the ribbon in your hands wrinkled in your grip. Without looking back, he turned away, again. Like he always does when things dont go his way, disappearing into the crowded hallways.
"Hey, [Name], you coming to our table?" Chrissy suddenly interrupted your thoughts, she wore a bright, confident and genuine smile.
"Oh, yeah.. I'll be there, just um- give me a moment." You smiled back at her warmly and cleared your throat.
"Okay, dont take too long. We have a pep rally layout on Friday!"
You nodded and the squad walked ahead. You stood there and felt a hand grab on to your elbow. You turned to see Lucas, he looked at you with sympathy. He'd been through this before, with Dustin and Mike.
"You alright?" Lucas asked quietly, pulling you out of the traffic in the hallways.
"Not really.." you admitted, "I mean, am I making a mistake? I just wanted to feel like I could finally fit in, but.." you turned to the party where Mike disappeared
Lucas nodded, rubbing the back of his neck, "Look, when things change, Mike panics.. He thinks because we're trying new things it means we're leaving everything behind. But its nothing like that."
"I told Dustin I still care about them.." you muttered, voice cracking slightly. "I just wanted to see if I could really try and do this."
"You shouldn't be ashamed. You worked hard for that spot, you know." Lucas gave a small encouraging smile, "Just.. give him time."
You smiled back, "Yeah, I hope everything turns out well for the two of us."
"Well, Im gonna go practice. See you later."
You nodded and turned away, gripping on to the ribbon tightly, you're not really sure if you could do this with the party being broken apart.
Will and El being in California, Max avoiding everyone, thought you did talk to her sometimes but.. it was never the same. Mike shaming you and Lucas for joining something else, Dustin being conflicted. Everything was complicated, but at the very least, atleast you still had Steve and Lucas.
You let out a sigh and walked to the cafeteria.
—
When Mike turned away from you and disappeared into the crowded hallways, Dustin stopped him.
"Don't you think you're being a little too harsh on her?"
"Harsh? Im not being harsh. Im just being reasonable, Dustin-"
"Really? Because you're giving her the cold shoulder, Im starting to feel bad. Not only for her but for Lucas too." Dustin interrupted him.
Mikes eyebrows furrowed and held on tighter to the sling of his bag. "Im just trying to keep us together, Dustin! They're the ones changing, not me."
Dustin sighed, "theres no changing your mind.." he mumbled quietly, "Our game continues on Friday."
That day, Mike went home on his bike, throughout the whole ride he kept thinking, was this really worth it?
Losing a day one party member over joining a cheerleading squad? He thought, and thought.. Maybe Dustin was right. Then he stopped, No, it's not his fault, he's only trying to keep everyone together.
He arrived home and laid on his bed all afternoon.
— timeskip pspdpspsd
Before the pep rally started, a few days earlier. You and Mike would pass by eachother, sometimes your mouth would open to call him out on instinct but you remembered. He didn't want to give you a chance. Mike would always pass by you and act as if you're the same as others, but.. you still played the same games as them, you bonded with them, spent your whole life with them so why is it different now just because you're wearing the school cheerleaders brand?
By Friday morning, you spotted him by his locker. The hallway was empty, everyone was in the gym.
"Mike." You walked to him, before he could turn and walk away.
He froze, hand still on his locker.
"Are you serious? Are we just gonna keep on doing this?"
"Doing what?" His voice was quiet
"I dont know! You ignore me and Lucas like we did a grave sin. But we're still the same kids who have a special bond with eachother! No one else can replace that!"
"[Name], you know what they did to us. You want to fit in so bad that you started turning out like them. They used to look through us, which, they still do by the way but. Lucas is running around with Jason, you're.. wearing.. these colors. You think its just some hobby but you're leaving! Piece by piece. Everyone is leaving."
"Im right here, Mike!" You stepped closer, you were frustrated, sad and tired. "Im standing right infront of you, Im not changing, you are! You give me the cold shoulder, you act like i dont try to communicate with you. Seriously, whats going on? Why do you hate me?" Your hands clenched to fists, "Everytime something doesn't go your way, you start to blame everyone." You blurted out.
Mike stared at you, his eyes widened slightly for a split second and the sudden accusation caught him off guard. The defensive walls around him cracked, just a little bit. You could see it.
"I dont hate you."
"I dont blame anyone. Im just tired of watching everything fall apart."
He let out a ragged breath, leaning his back on to the cold metal of his locker.
"Will and El are half a country away" he continued, "Max won't even look at us anymore. Dustin and I are the only ones in the basement, then you and Lucas just walk away? You two joined the people who made our lives miserable. How am I supposed to feel fine with that? It feels like you're erasing everything we've went through together, you and me."
His eyes softened and you looked down, "Im not erasing anything." You took a step closer, "This uniform wont change anything, I still care about the party, I just wanted to see if i could exist out of it too, but it doesnt mean I dont like you. Im not going anywhere, Mike."
Mike looked up at you, scanning your face for any proof of the girl he's always known since he was 10. He stood there, while the hallway was filled with heavy silence and the muffled music blasting on to the speakers in the gym. Then, the heavy double doors at the gym went wide open.
"Hey, Harrington, You're here!"
Jason's voice suddenly interrupted, while there was 2 other boys by his side, wearing stupid varsity jackets and grins.
"Chrissy's looking for you, we're about to start the rally!"
Mike's expression hardened again, the vulnerable look on his face was wiped away and that's when you knew his defensive walls strengthen again. He glared at Jason, then at you, putting on his bitter smile.
"Your new friends are waiting." Mike said quietly.
Before you could say something, Mike shut his locker hard and walked to the other direction, disappearing once again.
Jason raised an eyebrow, "Was Wheeler bothering you?"
"No, everything's fine." You forced on that confident smile again as your chest ached, he's still bitter as ever. What did you expect? "Let's go."
As you entered the gym, the loud blast of music rang in your ears, god, who the hell could listen to this without their ears bleeding?
You ran to the cheerleading squad and continued your perfect Harrington figure.
—
When school ended, you walked to Steve's car. Then, you noticed Mike unlocking his bike, should you talk to him or?.. does he need space?..
You suddenly heard Steve's voice, "Go for it, [Name]."
"Huh?"
"C'mon! Before he takes his bike and rides away!!"
You nodded and immediately sprinted to Mike instead of yelling, cause, you're exhausted. "Mike."
He turned to you, "Yeah? What is it?"
"You do know I'll still be in your life right?... I'll still attend hellfire campaigns."
Mike hesitated, then let out a scoff, "The door isn't locked."
His hands were frozen on his bike handles, his expression was.. unreadable. It was a mix of stubbornness, exhaustion and a bit of relief.
The silence between the two of you stretched and it was heavy of unspoken frustration.
"The door isn't locked." He repeated, lower this time. Looking at the varsity ribbon on the palm of your hands.
"Good", you smiled. Then took a step closer to him, "Because you're stuck with me, whether I wear an oversized sweaters or a cheerleading uniform. Because I still know the expression on your face when something goes bad in your campaign."
Mike's jaw tightened, but he dropped his shoulders. His eyes darted to your face, he remembered you, his friend. Looking past the neatly tied hair, and the colors of a social circle he did not trust. For the first time after weeks, he wasn't looking at a Harrington, he was looking at you.
"Everything changed so fast." Mike admitted, "first, it was california. Then Max, and Lucas.. Its just that, when you left too, there'd be nothing left of what used to be."
"Again, Im not leaving, Mike." You said firmly.
"Wanting to try things outside of the basement doesn't mean im erasing you. It's just.. Im trying new things. I'm growing up, you know. We're not always gonna be the little kids who plays like- all day. You won't lose me that easily."
A faint smile tugged on the corners of Mike's lips, after weeks, it was a real one.
"Fine.." He muttered, "But if you bring pom-poms in our campaign, Eddie is cursing your character with Vecna. Watch it."
You laughed. Finally, a real one too. It felt refreshing, after spending the past few weeks with.. kind of unfunny people.. it was great. "Yeah, deal."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
You nodded and walked back to Steve's car, the window rolled down and he smiled at you.
"Im guessing it all worked out?"
"Yeah." You smiled.
I guess you can really keep a boy who was always there for you in the dark.
cw: anxiety attack?.. hurt/comfort to fluff, I think thats all .. if I missed smth pls.tell me😭😭 im not so good at this
set to s5, Its [name]'s birthday! not proofread AND stupid tbh...
—
You were struggling with anxiety, badly. But thankfully, Mike was always there for you. He'd hold your hand tightly but somehow gently amidst crowded hallways; he would kiss your tears away and hold you close to him. Although Mike wasn't good with words, sometimes you would notice his hesitance, and whenever you would point it out, he would stumble over his words and sigh, which, of course, would make you worry more.
Nonetheless, everything would turn out okay in the end. He would apologize, you would forgive him, and the loop would continue a few months later.
But... this time, on your birthday, everything had turned out way worse than Mike had planned it to be. He didn't want this to happen. He only wanted to make you feel better.
A few hours before it all happened
Mike was stressing over the party, overthinking what he could get you with a strict limit of money. He paced around the room, holding tightly to the sides of his head and turning to Lucas.
"What should I get [Name]???" Mike exclaimed out loud while waving his arms around.
Lucas sighed. "Get her flowers or—"
Then, Max interrupted, "Get her the album she's always been talking about ever since it came out! She's been looking everywhere for the tape. Or... get her those new shoes she's been drooling over!!"
Mike dropped his shoulders and plopped onto the couch, sinking into the cushions. "I guess... if I can afford all of that, I'm definitely buying it all for her."
Dustin chuckled, "You, the boyfriend, had to ask her other friends what you should get her? Really? I thought you knew better. Pfft—"
"Shut up, Dustin..." Mike scowled, then turned to Lucas and Max with a smile. "Thank you."
Will laughed at the sight. "Is it too late to recommend something, too?"
"Well, tell me. What would she like as a gift?" Mike's head immediately snapped to Will.
"You could also get a necklace heart locket thingy and put pictures of you and her inside. So when she's alone, she could look at it if she's ever troubled?..."
"That's brilliant, Will!!!" Mike stood up. "Okay, where do I find those???"
"The thing is... I don't know," Will smiled innocently.
—
The whole afternoon went by quickly in a blur of frantic shopping, wrapping presents, and preparing the setting. Mike's basement had been transformed into a whole party; everything looked different. It didn't even look like the basement anymore.
Mike had invited you to his house to watch a "D&D campaign" and to hang out for your birthday. Having nothing to do on a random Saturday and with your parents being away from home, you decided to just go. You knocked on the Wheelers' house, the door swung open, and you were greeted by Karen, who was wearing a suspiciously big grin. You shrugged it off anyway.
"Hey honey, happy birthday," Mrs. Wheeler hugged you. "Mike is just down in the basement! If you need anything, I'm here for you." She pulled away and walked back to the kitchen.
You stepped in before closing the door. The walk to the basement was silent as hell—it was scary, actually. It felt weird; everything felt weird. Maybe you were overthinking too much? You walked down to the basement in confusion. Why are the lights off??
The moment you reached the final step on the stairs, the lights flashed on and the party poppers cracked. Confetti was everywhere, the whole party was there, and your whole family was too. Mike stood in the middle, holding your birthday cake.
"Happy birthday!!" everyone shouted out loud.
You flinched. Instead of a smile, your lips pressed together and your eyebrows furrowed. Everything became overwhelming all of a sudden, and Mike immediately noticed.
The sudden burst of noise and light hurt, your chest started feeling weird, and the sound of party poppers rang in your ears. The faces of even the ones you loved the most felt so suffocating as they stared at you.
Mike's smile faltered immediately. He put the cake down and frantically walked through the confetti, ignoring the confused murmurs.
"Hey, hey... look at me, [Name]..." Mike grabbed your shoulders gently. Your head turned to him, and you shook slightly from the shock. It shouldn't have affected you that much, but it did. Everything overwhelmed you.
"Let's do the grounding thing. Name 5 things you see." He locked his eyes onto yours, and you nodded, but a sob caught in your throat. Your chest felt so heavy and everyone's eyes were staring at you.
"5 things, what do you see?..."
You immediately stopped looking at the people behind him and your eyes darted around anxiously.
"Um... you..." Tears threatened to come out and your throat tightened. "The confetti on the floor... the rug... um..." Your voice trembled slightly, your stomach feeling like there were literal butterflies in it. "The light switch... the jacket..."
Five things.
"You're doing good, [Name]... 4 things you can feel?..." Mike's thumbs rubbed soothingly on your shoulders, ensuring your comfort.
"Your hands... um... my jeans, the floor... the cold air..." Your hands fidgeted while you slowly calmed down.
"Perfect. 3 things you can hear..."
Everyone went quiet, and you tried to listen. "Your voice... the clock ticking..." Your breathing slowed down just a fraction. "The... the wind outside."
"Now, 2 things you can smell. You're almost there, [Name]."
You let out a shaky breath before finally answering, "Um... the poppers?... and your cologne..."
Mike gave a small smile before his other hand reached for your cheek, rubbing it gently while your eyes darted to his. You felt safer.
"Now, 1 thing you can taste."
He leaned in slightly and looked up at you for permission, and you nodded.
He kissed you softly on your lips, and the kiss lingered. It grounded you perfectly. For a few seconds, you forgot everything that had just happened. It was all replaced by the warmth of his lips and his hands on you. Your breathing finally returned to normal.
Mike pulled back from the kiss and rested his forehead against yours. His eyes were the final thing that helped you. The tight knot in your chest loosened and you smiled.
"I'm sorry," Mike whispered, "I messed up..." His voice cracked slightly.
"No, Mike. It's okay. You didn't. I just happened to be really startled, and it's not your fault at all..."
You let out a weak, exhausted breath, closing your eyes. Everything wasn't instantly fixed, and the heavy conversation about how much you both were struggling to navigate this was still waiting for you tomorrow. But for the first time, as Mike held your hands in the quiet basement, it felt like you might actually figure out how to fix it together.
A day later, you and Mike were alone together in his bedroom. You were on his bed and he was on his floor reading comics when he suddenly turned to you.
"[Name]... about the surprise party..."
"Mike, just drop it. It's okay," you chuckled. "Why does it bother you?"
"I feel guilty, okay? I planned the party because I wanted to see you happy... but I never thought about how it would affect you. I completely forgot about your anxiety and I'm so sorry. I'm a bad boyfriend, you can say it."
You fidgeted with the heart locket he had given you on your birthday, then you smiled at him. "Mike. It's okay."
Mike's eyebrows furrowed. "It's not. It's not okay..." He sighed and looked up at you with puppy eyes. "When a crowd is too much, just tell me. Or tell me your boundaries properly so I can avoid this for you..."
"Fine, but Mike... it's not your job to fix my anxiety. You don't have to. It's all on me. All you can do is just be there for me, you know?" You ruffled his hair and he grumbled.
You chuckled and kissed the top of his forehead. "I love you, so much."
Mike stood up to kiss you again on the lips and held onto both of your cheeks, rubbing them gently with his thumbs.
Long after the epilogue, reader gets in a relationship with Mike and he accepts it but he's not sure if hes really allowed to live knowing what happened to his ex.
Cw : Heavy angst, survivors guilt, best friend betrayal, character death mention, angst to comfort, miscommunication
I just made skme BULLSHITTTT (my first angst dont maje fun of me)
—
Big fat summary, you were a colleague of Mike for about 1 year, studied in NYU together for so long, but, you've never known about his past in hawkins, he didn't want to talk about it.. so you respected that and it only took few months later of talking you realize your feelings for him andddd another whole year later, you finally found the guts in you to confess how you felt for him.
He accepted your confession, and he truly felt happy, well that's what you thought at least, his eyes were gleaming with joy when you told him.
So why doesn't it feel like he loves you now? It had only been a month since the relationship started. Did you do something wrong? What did you lack?
At the start of the relationship, everything was okay. He was happy for a few days until now. He got more distant.. but maybe you were just imagining things? I mean, it has only been like.. 30 days since everything started.. since you ruined Mike's life.
You've been with Mike for a week by now but he's acting more weird nowadays and you're not sure if you did something wrong.
Whenever you would hold his hand, his would be limp. Whenever you would kiss him on the lips, he would sometimes not reciprocate it and rather just stare at your face with an unreadable expression. And another thing—
You immediately shook your head and turned to look at the time by your side, it was 12am, why did this keep you up late at night? Its stupid honestly, especially coming from you. You were independent, why can't you be like that now??
Is this really how it feels to have a boyfriend??
You let out a deep sigh and closed your eyes tightly, hoping your overthinking didn't accidentally manifest on to your enemies' prayers.. You held on to your pillow, wrapping your legs around it and diving your face deep into the fabric.
—
You woke up with a smile, you get to see Mike again.
But the thing is, you were still scared of what could happen, even when the relationship just started. You remembered everything you were thinking of just last night. The butterflies in your stomach when you woke up now made you feel like throwing up.
You got ready for classes anyway.
Sitting on your couch and tying up your shoe laces, a knock on your door startled you. You figured it was Mike.
"Heeyy, [name] you up or still sleeping?" Yeah, it was Mike.
You chuckled and went to open the door after fixing your shoes up. "Hey, Mike" you smiled at him, looking up and holding on to your bag on your shoulder.
"Good morning!" Mike exclaimed, the two of you reached to hug each other. He leaned in to your face and hesitated for a moment. What? Did you have something on your face?
He kissed you softly on your cheek, holding on to both sides of your face, then he stopped. Why?
"Hey.. You okay, [Name?]"
You immediately got snapped out of your thoughts and looked up at him with a smile, "Yeah, Mike. I'm fine, it's okay." Then you chuckled just to make him feel better.
The two of you walked to class, hand in hand. But his hand still felt limp on to yours.
You kept over-analyzing every single thing Mike hesitated to do or every time he stuttered/stopped with his words for a moment.
But at the same time you felt guilty to even think he was being insincere. He always squeezed your hand on the desk whenever you would space out in class, he always turned to you for your opinion on group projects.
Why is everything so complicated?
—
You were walking back to your dorm with your best friend, it was rainy today and it was really cloudy...
You started rambling on about how much you doubted Mike and explained how he seemed like.
"I just feel like he doesn't actually love me. Maybe i was just delusional when he said he liked me back when i confessed to him.. and the way he hesitates like, almost everything! But.."
You paused and sighed, you felt bad, talking about Mike like this wasn't how you imagined the relationship would go. Your friend looked at you with sympathy. (Maybe..)
"But.. At the same time, i feel guilty. I know he's trying his best but.. I already feel like throwing up from anxiety. Its just so scary, committing to a relationship like this.. its just.."
You sighed again, "i dont know."
Your friend furrowed her eyebrows, "Look. If one month into the relationship you already feel like throwing up. I dont think thats healthy anymore, I've seen him seem so held back whenever the two of you would be together. He also looks soo guilty, the vibes im getting is weird. I dont know but.. you should break up with him." She shrugged, drinking from her cup of coffee before continuing,
"But of course, i dont wanna make you feel bad about dating him, everyone makes mistakes ya know." Your friend smiled at you, giving 2 thumbs up.
You looked away, holding tightly on to your bag. "You think so?.. dont you think i should atleast-"
"Nope, everything nope. Just end the relationship, he's probably gonna keep on holding himself back if you continue this, you're encouraging it actually. Which is why its weird."
The two of you arrived at your door, stopping in your tracks, you sighed again, your shoulders dropping down. "I'll think about it.. i guess.."
Your friend nodded, "Yeah, think about it. But i think you should just really prioritize yourself." She shrugged again, "Hes cute and all, but do you really want thiiissss? Is what you need to ask yourself."
"Um.. alright." You gave a small smile.
"I'll get going now! Byebyeee~" your friend gave a big fat grin, she was so lucky.
She was really pretty, she could have any boy she wanted with her looks.
You shook your head out of your thoughts and looked at her, "bye.."
You stepped into your dorm room. It was dark, the windows were clouded from the rain. The soft amber glow from your light though helped with your processing thoughts.
You threw your shoes off to somewhere, closed the door and plopped yourself on to your couch, burying your face on your couch pillow, your hands clenching tightly on to the couch for a grasp on reality.
Maybe you were the one who caused Mike to be like this, maybe you did something wrong? But why couldn't he just tell you what you did? It's not fair, it wouldn't be fair at all.
Slowly, you drifted off to sleep on your couch.
You woke up to knocking on your door, the rain was still there, in fact it was heavier than ever. The pitter pattering repeating on your window. It was foggy and cold. You sat up, combed your hair through your fingers infront of the mirror before opening the door.
It was Mike.
He gave a smile and hugged you tightly, "C'mon, i have a treat for you, i saw a new cafe on the way and.. maybe you'd wanna taste something warm instead of letting the cold air bite on to your skin?.."
You chuckled, he was too cute and dorky. It made you forget everything you were just thinking about before you went to sleep.
—
When the two of you finish drinking and eating at the cafe, the two of you stood on the cafe's porch, Mike was bringing out his umbrella and you stared into nothing, zoning out a bit..then..
"Wait, Mike.. What made you come to me???"
"It's raining really hard, and.. i dont know- you were a bit quiet in class today i just wanted to check up on you.." Mike smiled, "Okay, you ready to go home?"
You noticed something, again. The slight stutter that your friend warned you about. He stood there in the doorway, his concern was genuine but you couldn't bring yourself to believe it all. The small signals from his body. Your friend's words looped in your head every second,
"But i think you should just really prioritize yourself." "He also looks soo guilty, the vibes im getting is weird."
"Okay, stop." You blurted out.
Mike tilted his head in confusion, his smile faltering. "Huh? Did i do something wrong?"
"It all seems so wrong, you feel wrong. Everythings complicated, you act like somethings holding you back, and i want to know. Why? What went wrong? You seem so guilty about something but i just can't find out what. We both look like idiots from other peoples perspective, i mean- i look like an idiot. The way you hesitate on something, the way you can barely even hold on to my hand securely. I've seen it all, the signs. Did i do something wrong?"
...
Everything was silent, except for the rain that was getting stronger every second. You started tearing up, then suddenly, Mike's eyebrows furrowed in sadness.
"Is that what you really think?" His voice cracked slightly.
"Im not trying to make you look like an idiot, I really do care its just that.." he sighed, dropping his shoulders.
"I'm trying, okay? I'm trying so hard. I just... I can't let it happen again. I can't lose someone else. I mean-" he cut himself off, there was that hesitation you see everyday, "What Im trying to say is that-"
"Lost who, Mike?" A tear fell down to your cheek.
Mike felt even more guilty, seeing as he couldn't keep you happy just for 1 month, how was he supposed to manage an entire love life if he can't express how he feels?
"Was it a girl?"
Mike stood there, dumbfounded. He gripped on to his umbrella tightly. Yes, it was a girl. It was El. He looked down in shame, biting his lip.
"It doesn't matter, [Name]. Its someone from Hawkins and you know how i dont like to talk about it." Mike reached out for you but you pulled away.
"I promise, I was trying my best. I really was. Was that what you really thought the whole time we were together? What else did i lack?"
"It wasnt always about how you did things- and it does matter! You're in a relationship with me but you're so held back by a girl from your past. You didn't lack anything at all, you were great.. really.. but thats the thing. You're so great at showing how much you love me but it's not good enough if you keep yourself from showing your true, vulnerable self. It can't be something true if you keep whispering sweet lies into my ears."
Then there was silence, and that was enough to answer your question, the rain grew stronger and you shook your head in disappointment.
"My friend was right, something is holding you back." You murmured.
You turned away from him and walked through the rain, not even bothering about how your clothes immediately soaked and how your bag was left behind with Mike. You didnt care anymore, you needed to get away from him.
"[Name]! Let's go back together. You're gonna get sick!!"
Your eyebrows furrowed, you sighed and turned back to him. This was embarrassing.
The walk back was quiet.
—
A week after the fight, Mike didn't have the time to think of it. He was busy working on his major, his friends noticed his behavior. He would avoid topics about [Name] and would brush it all off, something like..
Whenever the party would visit his dorm, Lucas would wander around and ask him, "Mike, what happened to the pictures of [Name]? Whys it all faced down pfft.."
"Actually yeah, what happened? I kind of miss having a girl to talk to whenever i come in here just for Lucas." Max turned to Mike, raising an eyebrow
Mike gripped on to his pen as hard as he could it turned white, writing down notes. "Nothing happened," he murmured, his voice seemed empty.
Lucas and Max turned to look at eachother, noticing Mikes behavior, knowing how he was whenever something DID happen. The kind of behavior where he shuts everything out and looks for something that can distract him from thinking about it.
"Are you sure? No one puts their girlfriends framed pictures face down during midterm exams. Hell, it literally should motivate the boyfriend." Lucas went to sit on Mike's unmade bed, arms crossed. "You sure nothing happened? No fights?"
"I said it's fine, Lucas. Why did you come here if you were gonna nag to me about [Name]?" Mike suddenly snapped, slamming his textbook shut. He ran his fingers through his curls, letting out a sigh from exhaustion. "She thinks.. she thinks I'm holding back."
Max crossed her arms, her expression shifting to genuine concern, "Well.. are you?"
Mike froze at the question, he looked at the face down picture frames, he needed to tell you everything. He needs to tell you the times his hands were limp to yours, how the last time he loved the girl, the world almost tore apart just to take her away. He thought his love was a curse.
But instead of telling you that, he just froze. He stood there, defending himself stupidly instead of telling you why everything felt unreal.
Lucas leaned down to pick a letter that was slid under his door, "Uhh.. Mike? Someone just slid this under your door. It had your name and [Name]'s in it."
Mike perked up at the mention of [Name], he snatched the letter immediately. Maybe they're talking about her, he opened the letter with shaky hands.
Mike,
We need to talk about [Name], Meet me in the empty biology classroom on the third floor. Don't tell them. Just come alone.
His heart fluttered, this could be an opportunity for him. If your friend reaches out, it could mean there's a way to fix everything. He grabbed his jacket and immediately went for the door
"Hey! Where are you going??" Max called out.
"I have to take care of something." He stepped out quickly, slamming the door shut. Leaving his friends behind.
He practically flew through the stairs, quickly walking to the biology classroom.
—
You had just gotten a strange letter, talking about going to the empty biology classroom. You walked through the hallways while holding the letter.
There it was, you opened the door to find Mike frozen up and your friend running her finger down his chest...??? The letter dropped from your hand. You shouldn't have come here, but why? Why would your friend want to make you watch this?
And suddenly it didn't feel so silent anymore, the sight of your friend with Mike tightened the feeling in your chest.
Mike's eyes immediately snapped to you, he seemed to shut himself when your friend decided to butt herself in, "[Name]!" He choked out and violently flinched away from your friend.
And your friend? she didn't even seem guilty. Why would she do this? Is this why she was encouraging the break up? What else did they do before you came in?
Everything stinged, the betrayal from your friend and.. boyfriend? Ex boyfriend? You didn't know anymore. You just wanted to get away as soon as possible. You turned around and stormed to the hallway, tears spilling out.
"[Name]!!"
....
The walls Mike built around his heart finally shattered, he frantically ran after you, not wanting to let go of you anymore. He caught up due to his long legs and he grabbed your arm, leading you to another empty classroom.
"Leave me alone, Mike."
He stopped your attempts of trying to pull away from him, "Please, listen to me atleast before you leave. You deserve to know why I was like that and- im sorry.. for being such a coward."
You sighed and gave up, "Fine.."
"It wasn't just a break up, this girl from Hawkins.. her name was El, or.. um.. Jane. She didn't just leave me, [Name], she died. Ever since then, I.. I just thought that maybe if I didn't get too attached to you maybe It wouldn't happen to you too, and I know that's probably not possible but I've just been so scared to put some curse on you. I dont want.. this.. to end."
Your breath hitched, you expected some ex girlfriend story, someone he couldn't get over, but this? You didn't expect it at all.
"When I lost her, it felt like a part of me should've gone away with her." He looked away, "But then I met you, you were so kind to me, you were so patient, you're perfect. I dont think I deserved you. But, for the first time in years I felt so alive especially when you confessed to me? I'm never forgetting that."
He sighed and let go of your arms, "and if you still think the right choice is to leave this then I... Will respect that."
"Why did you push me away then?" You looked up at him, your voice trembled slightly, "Why does it feel like you're forcing yourself to hold my hand?"
He looked back at you, letting out a shaky sigh.
"Because every time I feel so happy with you, a big wave of guilt washes over me. I really do feel like I dont deserve you, or deserve even being in this college at all."
Suddenly, everything made sense. It was never about how he didn't love you, but how he was so terrified. The heartbreak and anger you felt for him the past week had been replaced by aching sadness for him.
"Mike.."
He smiled, tears too spilling down his cheeks, "Your friend was right, I am holding back. You dont deserve to deal with a boyfriend who can't love you properly just because of the guilt he feels everyday. I just wanted to explain everything to you now so you understand me too.. You weren't.. imperfect at all, it was just me."
You pulled him closer and hugged him tightly, "No, no, Mike. I understand. It's not your fault." The last few words looped in Mikes head, he reciprocated the hug.
Mike isn't dating El bsgaisbwjdbsj idk what tooooobshdnjs
Fluff
—
You had just gotten into a relationship with Mike, it has been months since you've been dating him and it was nice. He was nice, his family was nice too. You loved playing tea party with Holly and Nancy while Mike would be pouting in the background and waiting for your attention 🥹cutie
⋆ . ﹒ᣟ 𐚁 ˖ *
You were in your bedroom fixing up your makeup in the room, then.. your eyebrows looked thick.. too thick, looking in the mirror of your vanity.. you had a great idea (maybe)
You didnt have those razors for shaving your eyebrows so you just did it with a scissor! How hard could it possibly be?
While you were reading comic books, lying flat on your stomach and snipping your eyebrows... You cut off a satisfying amount and decided it was fine, maybe?.. so you trusted the process and continued cutting your left eyebrow while reading.
After a few minutes of cutting and trusting the process without looking, you stood up from your bed and sat on your chair, to check out your beautiful work on your vanitys mirror.
You dropped your scissors on the floor. It hit your toe too.
"Shit, ow.."
Your jaw dropped and your heart fell on to your ass when you checked the mirror, then panicked, YOUR LEFT EYEBROW HAS A BALD SPOT ON THE END. AND ITS OBVIOUS
"Oh no... ohhhhhh god."
You grabbed your hair clips from your drawer and tried to think of a solution. Right, SIDE BANGS! theyre not really.. trendy this year since.. people liked curtain bangs or whatever better but.. you had to do something about this, if your friends saw this, you would not hear the end of it.
You clipped your bangs to your left to cover up the mess and styled your hair a little, then you remembered.
Mike.
He might see this...
AND you're eating dinner tonight with his family.. You dropped the hair clips and covered your face.. how will they react when they see this STUPIDLY LARGE gap on your eyebrows???
You dropped everything and covered your face, groaning outloud. Why did i decide to do this today?.. You also remembered Dustin, just imagine how bad he could roast you with this. Lucas too.. the other party members were fine, you loved them. They were always supportive so maybe.. they would try to help with this...?
You had an idea. CALL THEM. YES.
You first picked Max to call so you jumped out of your seat and went out after fixing your hair and ran down the stairs, you grabbed the phone and suddenly your doorbell rang.
What? It couldnt be Mike, he's always late...
You put back the phone and slowly creeped up to your window to check, yup, it was Mike.
WHY IS HE EARLY NOW???
You sighed and opened the door, "hey Mike..."
"You ready?" Mike gave a smile, then noticed your hair, "are you trying something different with your hair?.. i-it looks great."
"Shut up Mike.. you know it looks bad"
Mike chuckled and raised his hand to tuck your hair behind your ear but you immediately backed away, giving him a frown.
"What? Its not like i hate it!" Mike exclaimed, "Is there something wrong??" He asked.
You just chuckled awkwardly, "its fine. Im fine, lets just go actually! Dont touch my hair."
Mike nodded, "But your toe is bleeding through your sock. Are you sure you're okay?"
"Oh i just dropped a book. Its not a big deal.." you internally winced at the pain and just put on your shoes, you stepped out to your porch and locked the door before closing it.
"If you had a bad day you can tell me you know.." Mike looked at you in concern.
"Its okay Mike."
"If you need anything i'm here."
You nodded and smiled.
⋆ . ﹒ᣟ 𐚁 ˖ *
It was a chaotic dinner as usual and you were sitting on your own chair (you've always eaten there for dinner), looking down.
Suddenly, Mrs Wheeler turned to you after grabbing the salt, "Are you okay, dear? Did something happen?"
You waved your hands, looking up to her and smiling, "Oh no, Mrs Wheeler, im okay! I just uh... accidentally stubbed my toe!"
"Okay.. well, im here if anything happens."
Nancy looked at you, raising an eyebrow. Seems like she was gonna investigate you now..
Holly turned to you with a teethy grin, "can we play tea party again?"
"Oh of course!" You turned to Holly and gave a thumbs up awkwardly.. hoping the sudden movement didn't mess around with your hair.
Well it did and Nancy was the only one who noticed the gap on your eyebrow.
⋆ . ﹒ᣟ 𐚁 ˖ *
After dinner, You helped tidy up the dinner table with Nancy alone while in the background was Mike was arguing with Holly about taking you away from your own boyfriend
"So, [Name].. Did you do something to your eyebrow? It looks wrong." Nancy chuckled a little, your eyes widened and you almost dropped the plates you were about to place in the sink.
Your heart dropped to your ass for the 2nd time again.
"Why? Does it look.. wrong?.." you replied.
"Oh its just.. i dont know, maybe i- nevermind." Nancy stopped herself, maybe she was too judgemental. Maybe your eyebrows were normal and she was just seeing things.
Suddenly, you started tearing up after tidying up the table.
"Nance.. I DID do something wrong with my eyebrows! I thought my eyebrows were too thick and I wanted them to be like those girls on the magazines i see and i did it with scissors because i didnt have any razors for the eyebrows and now I've ruined my whole face and I look weird!!"
"Woah woah, slow down [Name]" Nancy was shocked, its not everyday you see your brothers girlfriend having a mental breakdown infront of you..
"Im sure we can fix it?.. let me see the problem." Nancy held on to your wrists
"Okay.. but not here!!"
You were now in Nancys room, the door was closed and you were taking off your hair clips to show her the disaster.
"Oh, um.. okay.." Nancy looked at you with her eyebrows raised.
"Is it that bad?.." you winced.
"Its okay, um.. we can just.." Nancy reached for her makeup bag and pulled out a wooden pencil. "We can fix this."
You smiled, you loved Nancy. She was like.. the big sister you never knew you needed.
She started adding some strokes to it and suddenly the door flew open and Mike and Holly bursted into the room, "Nance! Tell mom that Holly wont-"
Holly frowned at him and the two siblings started arguing again and Mike stopped to look at you.
He looked at the situation, "[Name]? What are you guys doing?"
You turned to Mike and gave an awkward smile, "please get out.."
The gap on your eyebrow was still visible because Nancy wasnt done yet. Mike and Holly raised his eyebrows, like brother like sister..
"[Name], your eyebrow.." both Mike and Holly said
"Get outtt!!!" Your heart fucking dropped to your ass FOR THE 3RD TIME and threw a pillow from Nancys bed and Mike ducked to avoid it.
"Why did you shave it off??? Is that why you changed your hair and acted weird at the porch???"
"I didnt shave it off!! I cut if off with my scissors and i know that doesn't make it any better but it justifies it.. right? I know i look like a freak right now!! Dustins gonna make fun of me till graduation and Lucas is gonna be idk.. disappointed!" Your eyebrows furrowed, hands clenching tightly on your sides.
"Mike, and Holly! just get out, [Name] is upset!!" Nancy got up and pushed the two of them away but Mike and Holly stayed anyway
"Hey- no! Im not even laughing!!" Mike exclaimed outloud, his voice cracking slightly. He walked over to you and knelt down, you bowed your head down in embarrassment, "You're smiling at me.."
"Its only cause you look cute!" Mike defended himself again, and he tucked your hair behind your ear.
"Look, even if.." he sighed then continued, "even if half your face is shaved off.. i um.. still care for you, okay? We can just tell the party you accidentally scraped your face months ago due to some demobat or something.."
You looked at him, "You'd really lie to them for me?.."
Mike nodded, "of course."
He gave your cheek a kiss and smiled.
Holly squealed, "When do i get a love like that too!!"
Nancy sighed, "You're too young to think about that. Alright now get out Holly, and you too Mike."
Mike stood up and smiled, giving your cheek a soft kiss again before leaving with Holly and going back to argue with her again🥹
For the first time in life, you felt so loved. You loved the Wheeler siblings so much.
cause im going fucking insane rn, i need a reliever and like, the mike wheeler x reader tag is kind of dry. This is just a drabble.. im gonna cry and delete this in like 3 days
Hel i suck at writing AND designing wth
I hate school (YES this was needed)
Freestyling highkey, no proofread. Mike isnt dating El here. Timeline on s3
—————◇•◇—————
You woke up, fuck. It was 7.am.
You quickly got out of bed and took a shower, ate your poorly made cereal and biked to school by 8. Your hair hadnt been styled, it was still wet but how could you care about your appearance now when the school already implied a strict time to arriving at school?
You noticed how your parents were still asleep, your brother? Dunno. Then, when it came to the school entrance, no one was there. What the hell?
You pushed open the doors but it was locked, huh..
Suddenly, you remembered. Its labor day.
You walked back with your bike, not wanting to get home quickly since there was no rush at all. You held your bike tightly while thinking.
Would your parents even notice if you were gone just for a bit?
Or would they just think you're out with some friends?
You sighed, walking while your head was down. Until, you saw a girl with short brown hair (she was really cute), Will, Dustin, Lucas, and a ginger haired girl?.. outside of Mike Wheelers house (possibly.. you domt even know, you havent been classmates with him since grade 3. You transfered schools that time.)
You sighed even more, to have a big close friend group that never judged you.. You'd wish that over anything else.
Dustin spot jerked up to the sound, he waved at you, flashing his teeth with a smile. You waved and smiled back.
He didnt just wave, he started jogging to you.
"[Name], why're you wearing school uniform??" You bowed your head down in embarrassment, fidgeting with your fingers, "Well, i just.. i forgot it was labor day today, so, holiday."
Dustin laughed at you, "Pfft- Okay."
You pouted and hit him gently on the shoulder, he still winced.(🥹 hater)
Mike suddenly got out of his doorstep, arriving to his porch. He was way taller and his jaw was more defined than you had remembered, i mean, everyones a fresh teenager now and you havent seen him in so long so.
You immediately turned your head around in embarrassment to not face him, GOD HE WAS SO BEAUTIFUL.
Dustin raised an eyebrow, "anyways... Its been nice meeting you after a long time." You nodded, "yeah, yeah.."
You gripped on to the handlebars tighter, Well Mike obviously wouldnt remember you since.. youve only been his classmate since 3rd grade and you only waved at him with a smile most of the time.. but you really wished he did remember you right now.
Dustin chuckled, "are you alright [Name]?"
You nodded, "Yes, im alright!! Just a little dozed off since I havrnt gotten rest that much since school started"
Dustin nodded too, "alright, well. We'll get going now" he waved, before turning around and getting back to his circle of friends.
You gave a small smile before walking back to your house slowly
The ginger haired girl noticed you and your frown, and immediately told Dustin to call you again.
You turned, "yeah???"
They waved at you to come over and so you did, leaving your bike behind on the sidewalk. "Hm?"
The ginger haired girl smiled, "Hey, I'm Max. I noticed your miserable bravado and since we're going to starcourt mall.. you wanna join?"
"Wha?.. I'm on my school uniform. Are you guys sure I can come?..."
You looked over Dustins shoulder for the other peoples approval, Will and Lucas nodded with a smile, then you looked at Mike, he was staring at you as if he was observing you with an expression you cant quite read.
Suddenly, Mike butted in, "[Name] from Mr Clarke's science class in grade 3? I remember you, you gave me your snacks when i didnt have any packed."
Dustin suddenly clapped his hands together, which made you flinch. "Yes!" He exclaimed, "Mike, you said i was literally hallucinating when i said i saw her in some fancy buffet last month."
Dustin turned to You, "And, Mike choked on his pizza cause i told him his elementary school girlfriend was back."
Mike frowned at him.
Your face contorted into confusion and Max just giggled.
Mike blushed a bit from embarrassment and just sighed, you turned to look at the short haired girl, "Is this a new student too?"
The whole circle of friends immediately answered "Yes! Yes.. yes..."
You chuckled, what the hell.
"So you coming or not?" Max suddenly asked after the repeated yes' died down.
"Okay but.. i have to get home first and change!!" You replied with excitement.
—————◇•◇—————
Starcourt Mall, a big place with multiple shops!!! All of you went to scoops ahoy first.
All of them sat down in one table after ordering their ice creams, you had to do it by yourself since you wanted to be last, you didnt want anyone else being last.. You were just like that.
"So, [Name]! Youre new here, huh?" The guy with pretty hair asked you. You were too busy fucking admiring his voloumus hair (most was covered by his hat) so you just mumbled a quiet yes.
"Um, i want 7 ice cream scoops of cookies and cream, please."
Steves eyes widened, "Okay, jesus. Not even a demogorgon in the upside down would finish that much but, not like im judging you."
You tilted your head in confusion, "huh?"
"Demogorgon. You know, those things with no face, the whole head just opens with sharp teeth everywhere and..."
He paused,
"Holy shit."
He dropped his scoop thingy and the whole party turned to look at the scene, "what?" Dustin asked.
"I thought they knew??"
"Knew what, Steve?"
"You know.."
"Steve!!!" Mikes voice cut through the air, "What else did you tell her??"
"Are you out of your mind?" Mike immediately stood up and walked over to the counter beside you, looking at Steve.
Dustin face palmed himself, "Oh my god."
"Why would you do that???" Both Lucas and Max said outloud in sync.
Steve stammered and couldnt decide on who he should focus on with his eyes.
Mike started yelling at Steve, "You havent even asked us if she knew!!!",
"do you know how bad this could turn out for us???",
"SHE COULD TELL OTHER PEOPLE!!"
You stood completely still, what??... what is going on... demogorgon??, your head throbbed and ached even more at the thought of whatever the hells going on. You got overwhelmed but suddenly, you felt two hands on your shoulders, "Are you okay?" You flinched and looked at Mike, nodding.
"What is..?"
"...Dont worry, Steves just going crazy, or basically.. hallucinating since hes been working in a silly sailor suit for hours. You dont have to worry about whatever he said."
Steve looked at Mike, "Dude!"
Max, Lucas and Dustin looked at him with a frustrated expression, "Shut up!"
"Is hawkins gonna be okay? Whats an upside down?? And a demogorgon?.. why the hell does it have no face?.. teeth..?"
Mike shook his head, "Nothing!!" He blurted out
"Dont worry? Im not worrying!!" You frowned, crossing your arms and trying to hide the fact that you ARE worrying.
"Come with me, dont worry." Mike grabbed your arm and pulled you to a quiet space, the small hallway at the back of scoops ahoy?..
He let go of your arm and looked at you with a worried expression, "Just.. forget what he said, hes probably too stuck in his fiction world, you know.. like comics."
You nodded slowly, also slowly tearing up from the headache and the thought of the..thing.. you started excessively blinking to try and stop it but it just ended up going out.
"Dont lie to me.. im not stupid. I've seen how people lie, im experienced on determining how."
Mike saw your messed up look and stepped closer, "hey.."
You looked up at him and he continued to speak
"Theres nothing to worry about now, dont let steve ruin your day so you wont need to worry about Steve and whatever the hell he talks about, okay? Look, in third grade, even i was upset when you were too."
His soft gaze on you made your heart do 67 backflips. Who knew it could do that?
"Are you sure?..."
"Yes, of course.. lets get back before anyone else sees us, lets get your free 7 scoop ice cream."
You smiled at him and nodded. You SWEAR you couldve seen a slight blush there but you brushed it off anyways.
letters work too, but they don't have a heartbeat.
𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈.𝄞.𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈
𝄞 ᥬᩤ. .ᐟ ྀི Mileven fanfic !!
In which the world had finally been saved from Vecna, but both Mike and El face a different kind of terrifying monster, growing up, letting go, and learning how to live apart from each other.
𝄞 warnings / tags 𓈈⑅ . * :
A bittersweet ending, set in s5 epilogue (El didn’t die), literally just a kiss in the start but its not even allat, idk what else bro, holding hands HAHAH (ik that isn't a warning), El eventually gets her independence, not proofread * . ⁰°
𝄞 𓊆 ⸝⸝ authors note ٪ 𓊇 :
Writing isn't my forte, and I just had some vision, so forgive my shitty designing and idk maybe some tips in the comments? I don't post fanfics usually helpp. Also the titles ass cause I'm lazy to think of anything else I DID ALLAT FOR THR DESIGNING js for no one to see this post.
𝄞 . .ྀི word count * ⁰• . : 2.4k
𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈.𝄞.𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈
Mike's lips were connected to El’s, hands intertwined and sharing a kiss that felt like it lasted for an eternity.
Suddenly, El broke the kiss, looking into Mike's eyes and giving him a small smile but also her lips slightly trembled, as if she was about to say something. Mike was going to move into his college dorm tomorrow and she would only get to see him on special occasions, but letters and calls work too....
"El.. since we're parting ways— well not permanently but.. our argument in California back then.. I.. I want to make you feel better and by doing so I know I have to overcome my.. fear.. okay, forget what I said— I.. I-"
Suddenly, Mike was cut off to Karen Wheelers voice, calling them down to have dinner one last time since the party had to part ways, and Mike's mom wanted to make it special for him and his friends.
"Michael!!!"
Mike sighed and the two lovers chuckled with each other and got off Mike's bed (stumbling over some boxes) and going downstairs to eat dinner.
Max was sitting by the table, while Holly and Ted were asleep on the couch (they probably already eaten) and the table was noisy, Lucas and Will was helping Karen Wheeler set the table, after being scolded by Max to help Karen. While Dustin was sitting shamelessly beside Max.
After the table was loaded with food, Karen mentioned she was just in the living room if they ever needed her, the whole party nodded and decided to feast on the food as if it was going to disappear any second. The food was enough for a whole family reunion..
They all sat down and filled their plates and mouths, making jokes, talking about past times as if they were old and shrivelled already. Nostalgia was shared as they all had their dinner together.
After dinner, the party left early and it was time for El to leave as well
Mike stood on his porch, the warm amber glow between him and El. The lovers faced one another. The light caught the gentle rise and fall of their breath, with the warm illumination catching the contours of their faces, the space between them felt heavy. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” The boy asked, raising his eyebrows. El nodded, “tomorrow..”
She turned around and once she reached Hoppers car, she turned back to look at Mike again. He seemed like he was hesitating to say something, Mike looking down to his feet and fidgeting with his fingers.. but El got into Hoppers car, knowing how he was like.. he wouldn’t say it anyway.
No pressure, of course, she always knew he repressed his feelings, but she’s always wanted to help him with that problem..
That night, El was looking out the window the whole time. She felt a sense of emptiness growing inside of her, she had everything she wanted.. why couldn’t she feel anything great about it? She’s always wanted to spend her time with Mike forever but.. At the same time she’d been thinking of what she’d actually want, but she does want to live by the 3 waterfalls with him.. right?
Hopper suddenly called out her name, right. They’re home.
El got out of the car and went in the cabin, taking off her shoes, and before she got to her room, Hopper grabbed her arm (gently) and turned her around. “You alright, kid?”
She flinched at the sudden touch but nodded at Hopper, she’s always nodded when she was unsure. Hopper noticed this, hence, another question came out of his mouth (“Are you sure?”), then lead to another assumption.. “Is it about Mike? I swear to god if it is—” El cut him off. “No, hopper. I’m fine, I’m just tired. It is night time after all.”
Hopper sighed and decided to drop the topic, letting go of her arm. El retreated to her room, sitting on the edge of her bed as she continued to think.
El collapsed on her back, staring at the cabin ceiling where the shadows of the pine trees danced in the moonlight. The silence of the woods and the sounds of the crickets used to feel like safety. Tonight it felt loud, as if it was mocking her.
She turned her head to look at her nightstand. There was a stack of papers of letters Mike had given her when she lived in California for a short while.
Letters work too, she had told herself. But letters didn’t have a heartbeat. Letters didn’t stumble over boxes in the middle of a sentence, and letters certainly couldn’t fix unspoken feelings.
”I know I have to overcome my fear” Mike had said. He was trying. He was always trying so hard that it looked like it hurt.
She rolled over, burying her face in her pillow, wishing she could press fast-forward on the next four years of her life
What was he about to say?
—
Mike let out a heavy sigh, plopping himself on to his bed, why didn’t he say it? Why couldn’t he say it before El left? But.. then again, he had tomorrow and that was his last chance to look at El in the eye and love her properly by saying it. He turned to look at his nightstand.
Everything was finally over, vecna was gone and defeated, the upside down successfully destroyed and justice done for all those who sacrificed themselves for this. If everything was okay, then why does he still feel terrified? He can’t tell El.. the L word.. he can’t bring himself to express it with words.
He stared out his window. Everything was still so complicated even when the danger was finally over. Mike sighed and buried his face into his pillow.
Both of the lovers were in a complicated spot. Giving them a restless night, they both just wished that everything complicated would just be gone and then they would finally be able to hold each other without a single problem that flied in their head like a mosquito.
—
The next day came by, everyone had gone through their morning routine and now it was time to say goodbye and part ways from each other. Of course they’d all gathered in the Wheeler house, it was their usual spot after all.
The whole party was tearing up, hugging each other. Until Mike and El were left in his room, they were both staring at each other with a shared smile on their faces. This was their last moment before seeing each other again in other special occasions.
“Sooo...” Mike fidgeted with his fingers, looking down. “I’ll miss you.”
El nodded “I’ll miss you too, but you’ll call.. right?” The boy nodded quickly
“I want to tell you something before I go.”
El raised her eyebrows “I do too..” Suddenly, Mike felt a heavy, tense weight settle onto his shoulders. The old worry crept back in, making his throat go dry. He wasn’t ready to say ‘it’ yet. He needed another second. “You go first,” he said quickly.
El also knew she had to do this. How could she figure herself out when she's busy overthinking about Mike?
Els shoulders tensed as well, she let out a sigh and clenched her fists. "I think we should break up."
She paused for a moment, noticing the panic in Mikes eyes, and forced herself to continue. "Mike, its just.. that I want to.. figure myself out, I want to become independent for a bit before I settle in on.. This relationship with you, um.. I have been thinking of what Max told me. She said that my life shouldn’t always be revolved around a boy and she’s right." El looked at him, her eyes were soft and it hurt Mike more.
Mike's eyebrows furrowed, of course.. Max.. he felt his frustration growing but.. he can't blame Max, she was kind of right and that's why it hurt so damn much.
"Mike?.." El asked softly, her eyes searching his face.
Mike looked up at El, he forced a smile "Oh, of course. I respect your decision, after all I'm going away for a bit and.. You need to find yourself and all.. I- i get it."
El smiled, she knew he would understand. "Mike, thank you. I hope we can still be good friends." Mike internally winced at the word 'good friends', now how can he tell her he loves her?
"Mike? What were you going to say too?" El asked, tilting her head
Mike shook his head "It's nothing, don't worry. I just realised it was stupid to.. yeah" he shoved his hands into his pockets and turned to go out his room, El followed along, going downstairs to talk with Max.
Lucas noticed him "Mike, did you do it?"
Mike sighed and shook his head. Lucas sighed "I told you! This is the last time you'll ever get to see her before... the long dista-" Mike cut him off. "El broke up with me, I don't have to do it anymore." Lucas paused for a moment "Break up? For what?"
The pale boy sighed and shrugged "She wanted to find herself before settling into a deeper relationship with me. It's fine, I get it." Lucas didn’t say anything else, placing his hand on Mike’s back, caressing it with his thumb.
Mike sighed, feeling disappointed. He’s been battling with his inner thoughts for years now, constantly suffocating from pressured to say “I love you” and now that he doesn’t have to do it, why does he feel empty, rather than relieved?
Outside, the party was loading boxes on to the trunks. Dustin was complaining over trunk space to Nancy, meanwhile, Will and Max were happily chatting with El. Mike walked out to the porch, the bright sunlight flashing on to his eyes. Then, his eyes catched El’s, she was already looking at him, by Hoppers truck.
The weight between them felt so heavy, for Mike atleast. El was happy, she was able to take control of her life just like Max wanted her to do. Mike’s throat tightened, he loved her smile, he loved her. He loved her enough to let her go and find out who Jane Hopper was without Mike Wheeler hovering around her.
Mike gave a forced smile and raised his hand, giving a small, hesitant wave. El offered a small nod back before climbing into the passengers seat. The truck then finally drove away. Mike sighed.
Letters work too, but they don’t have a heartbeat.
Mike had finally arrived at his dorm room. Surrounded by completely different people from what he’s familiar to, but the crack in his heart still fresh from the breakup.
He carefully unpacked his things, he kept the picture of El, placing it on to his desk first before anything else. His fingers caressed the glass barrier, he stared at the picture longingly.
After setting up his room, he noticed the envelopes and blank notepads. Maybe he could write a letter to El?
He sighed and sat down infront of his desk, tapping the pen on the desk while brainstorming of what to say..
”Dear El,” No, that sounded too.. formal
”Hey El” No, he sounds too casual..
”What’s up, El?” Now he sounds stupid!!!
He huffed and slammed the pen on his desk, irritated. Why should he care about how he writes his letters to El?
—
While Mike was struggling over simple letters, El was living the life in Hawkins. She was waiting for Hopper and Joyce to arrive home from their date, she was learning how to bake with Max on the call. Max had also moved to her college dorm already, but she could always make time for El.
They had fun, laughing over the phone. Then, Hopper and Joyce finally arrived home. El, hearing the door open, she ended the call with Max and took the cake out of the oven.. oh. It was burnt.
Joyce noticed El “oh, El. Why don’t we decorate the cake? Regardless of its...overcooked state, I’m sure we can fix it up with the mix of sweetness or something!” The mother smiled at El and El nodded “yes.. please” she hung her head low from embarrassment, feeling a sense of warmth creeping up to her cheeks. Joyce chuckled and placed the cake on the counter “Great, now let’s get started on making whipped cream.” Hopper smiled at the sight of his daughter bonding with Joyce. El nodded and went to open the cabinets, then, stumbled on something. She looked down, oh. It was Rory. The toy dinosaur Mike had given to her.
El suddenly felt an ache bloom in her stomach, she missed too much it hurt. The warmth of the kitchen faded into the background as she stared at the toy.
A few weeks into college life, Mike finally gave in and decided to call El’s number. If she didn’t answer then he would never do this again and pretend nothing happened.
The ringing in his ears felt as if the phone was mocking him. Then, she answered.
“El?” Mike perked up, a smile creeping on his face.
“Oh, you were looking for El.” It was Hoppers voice. Mike’s smile immediately faded away.. suddenly, he heard El’s voice.
“Mike?” Mike’s smile immediately came back. “El!! I mean- um, El! So..what’s up?” Mike cringed and winced internally.. what’s up? Really? Is that what he came up with in the moment? After weeks of dreading and missing her, he came up with this.. His brain really hated him.
El paused for a moment and a small chuckle slipped through her mouth. “Well, I’ve been going out more lately to.. experience something new! What about you, Mike?”
Mike swore he felt butterflies in his stomach when he heard El’s laugh through the phone. The two good friends talked for an hour over the phone while Mike was multitasking.
—
Between the times they weren’t talking, They were growing up. Mike grew up into a taller and quieter version of himself, meanwhile, El grew up to finding a passion for art (which she’s always loved doing since she’s moved to California back then). And she slowly built a life that belonged to Jane Hopper.
The Sunday calls eventually turned to letters, birthday cards.. The two of them successfully did what they were set to do, be independent and become good friends.
Even though the two "good friends" still loved each other, they still had a long journey ahead of them.
𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈.𝄞.𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈𓈈
I'm definitely NOT writing a part 2 hahahshshdbsbxbjsnx
I loved writing this, and I'm so happy with how this piece turned out
I'm gonna keep on writing and posting even tho no one cares about my fics
[This is mostly just centered around Mike Wheeler]
But I'm also defending mileven in this case kinda (??) 🤷♀️🤷♀️
PLEASE read the full post before commenting
"Mike acted like a lobotomised robot to El and Will was the only one he was more of a stronger person with so bylers better"
wth mind u no one mentioned Will or byler in the comments.
I like byler, I rrlly do but the fans are taking shit out of context to bring down mileven and validate their ship. I am a Mike Wheeler fan, so ofc this made me upset, saying Mike is a lobotomised robot around El is just so dehumanising..
Mike verbally struggles to express his romantic feelings. Because he almost lost her so many times, he is terrified of saying the wrong thing or messing up, causing him to freeze up when she asks for him to atleast say "ily"
In the later seasons, El becomes more powerful and independent. Mike is no longer the sole person protecting her from the world. Which explains why their relationship shifted differently in s5
In the van scene, Will uses Els name to comfort Mike's insecurities which is emotional and selfless gesture of encouragement between two best friends. Despite Wills feelings we should also focus on Mikes perspective with this??? Mike's devotion for El firmly remained throughout the series
Mike and Wills connection is rooted in their childhood bond and shared trauma. It is much easier for Mike to be emotionally open with his best friend than it is for him to show feelings he's never felt before with El, especially since his parents don't show affection to eachother which affects him. El and him were new to relationships and they had to figure things out together. Starting out a relationship COMPLETELY FROM SCRATCH. Saying Mike's been lobotomized completely ignores his character development
people keep saying Mike has internalised homophobia which led him to only say i love you to El in season 4 because Will "patted him on the back and called him pet names" (i saw someone commenting this 😒 the nerve bruh oml) which also leads to some of the byler fans to say that Will has the power to Mikes feelings which just has me going crazy because werent they js talking about hiw El should be independent but now theyre talking about Will having the power to Mikes feelings??
They also say he hesitated when saying ily to el. but he didnt, atleast i think so. Even if he did then most likely the reason wpuld be because hes not used to saying it, especially since affection between karen and ted wheeler had rarely been shown in his environment, leading him to not be able to show affection like that as well.
Mike clearly loves El because he shows it through actions. but when you say that, some byler fans say "kissinf doesnt show love" and "actions dont show love" (i saw a byler commenting this????) when it does... they call milevens illiterate in media but they say random stuff like this.
Giving Will total control over Mike’s romantic agency robs Mike of his independence. Mike is his own person. He isn't a puppet being manipulated by Will's encouragement.. he is a boy who was desperately looking for reassurance that the girl he loves still wants him. Will selflessly gave him that reassurance.
Or maybe, Mike did hesitate to say I love you to El because that would show his deepest side of vulnerability. In this show he represses his feelings, alot.
For some Byler fans to call Mileven shippers "media illiterate" while claiming that kissing, crying over someone, fighting monsters for them, and pouring your heart out "doesn't show love" is literally absurd....
Saying a 1980s teenage boy has "internalized homophobia" simply because he is awkward at expressing love to his girlfriend is a massive stretch. (Tho the concept of Mike having internalized homophobia really does interest me) It completely ignores his actual, family trauma (his father's coldness) just to force a narrative that he secretly wants to be with his best friend.
You can literally ship byler without having to put down mileven how many times do I have to say this for some fans to understand.
Mike's willingness to cross the country, fight supernatural monsters, and risk his life for El clearly demonstrates his devotion for her. Mike didn't need Will to give him feelings for Eleven. Mike already had the feelings.. he was just consumed by insecurity and fear of rejection.
Another thing
People saying that Mike insults Els identity because he called her a superhero in his s4 dialogue, him saying ily to her r completely wrong. El was trying to save Max at that time, physically being choked by Vecna and she believed she wouldn't be able to save Max.
Also she lit said she was gonna become a superhero in her letter. If Mike's words were wrong for her, or if they hurt her, they would have weakened her. Els powers are fueled by emotions, are they not?
When Mike calls her "his superhero," people argue he is loving the power instead than the person.
El literally wrote to Mike saying, "I am going to become a superhero again." By using that specific word, Mike was trying to support her own stated goals. He wasn't imposing an identity on her, he was validating the one she was trying to reclaim to save her friends. Mike isn't perfect, he doesn't always have the right words like in s4 argument
Mike’s struggle or as people say "hesitation" to say "I love you" wasn't a lack of feeling, but a fear that a "nerd" like him with no powers wasn't enough for someone as extraordinary as El. Mike's lack of expressing feelings also makes their relationship real rather than just some fairy tale. Mike is a "paladin" but can also be a clumsy awkward kid who overthinks everything. People flatten Mike's trauma to something else like "internalised homophobia" and end up ignoring the very thing why he lacks expressing emotions. It literally strips off Mikes character development and shit which is the reason why they ask "girl what character development"
It’s almost like some fans want him to be a "trope" rather than a person. By claiming Will "has the power to Mike's feelings," these fans are ironically taking away Mike’s independency. When they literally say El needs independence but do shit like this. It frames Mike as an empty vessel who needs someone else to tell him how to feel, which completely ignores his character arc as a leader.
Shipping is meant to be fun, but when it starts requiring the deconstruction of a characters history and family trauma js to make a point, it stops being about the story and starts being abt a "win" for a specific ship..When you have to ignore four seasons of character motivation just to make a theory fit, u aren't really shipping the characters anymore... you ship the version you think they are
I feel like I slowly went out of topic but I'm js trying to defend Mike 🙏
I'm also so sorry bylers got queerbaited (from what I've heard)
Mike Wheeler isn't just a character who's js about his relationships. He's the heart of the party. People are forgetting the fact that he's loyal to his friends. I can't believe most of the fandom said "he's turning into his dad" LIKE NO HE ISNTTTTTTT he's way more better than what Ted could be + the reason he was mostly js monotone in the last season was because its either tied with his trauma, or his stress. Mike Wheeler is nothing similar to Ted because Ted is emotionally distant and checked out of his familys lives.
So many people also forgot that he was willing to jump off a cliff for Dustin just for his teeth (he was so young at this time too btw). He didn't even know El was gonna save him at that moment.
Mike is the glue that holds the party together. In s1 he refused to accept the story when Will was taken and organised the research with the party. Mike doesn't js care about El, his gf. He believes in the party even when they doubt themselves.
The duffer brothers do lean more on his romance with El, but his character has always been defined by bravery and his love for his friends.. Reducing his character to just Eleven's boyfriend completely ignores his loyalty, his strategic mind, and his willingness to make sacrifices for his friends
People keep saying El should've been a young, independent girl but got downgraded to Mike's gf.. She is not downgraded to just Mike's gf. You guys are the one downgrading her to that. You can be independent while also being in a relationship..
Els relationship with Mike makes sense because Mike was the first person who showed her what unconditional care, friendship, and normal human interaction looked like after she escaped the lab. Because El grew up in isolation, she relies on Mike for a sense of normalcy. Having someone she can lean on does not diminish her strength.
Being in a relationship doesn't stop her from having an arc outside of it, such as bonding with Max or her platonic love for Hopper. You can be your own person and still choose to be part of a couple.. El doesn’t lose herself in Mike. They are two young people learning how to grow up while facing the supernatural.
The idea that a character's independence is erased simply by having a romantic life is a major misconception. She has battled monsters and makes monumental choices entirely on her own.. (In almost every season finale, Eleven is the one making the ultimate choice to sacrifice herself or fight. Mike often wants to protect her, but he can't stop her. That is the definition of an independent character.)
Can SOMEEEE byler fans mind their own ship without bringing down mileven.
Fandom ship wars are genuinely so exhausting when they attack mileven just to validate byler.
"Oh, but mileven is toxic cause I js know it, look at them in s3-4"
Milevens arguments in Seasons 3 and 4—like struggling with long distance or finding it hard to say "I love you," are normal teenage communication milestones, not signs of a toxic relationship.
I already talked about this ^ on my last post
So many byler fans use extreme labels ("toxic") js to make their preferred ship seem much more logical. You can enjoy your byler experience without bringing down mileven, and these kinds of byler fans complain over milevens attacking them??
Mind you, SOME byler fans will call u homophobic just because you prefer mileven more than byler.
The same thing goes for milevens who r just completely toxic
^ They mock people for js wanting to see "boys kiss," and tell them they have a fetish on yaoi and on every tiktok mileven post , all I see in the comments is just "all this and they ship byler" just let people ship what they want. Its not like they're threatening you to ship byler anyway. Why mention byler when not a single thing of it has been mentioned in the post anyways?
PLUS Some mileven fans MOCK Will, and for what?????
Can we just end ship wars already </3
I hope it wasn't wrong for me to tag mileven and byler. If it was, I'm completely sorry
[ Small note I'm talking about the majority of the FANS. Not the ship ]
I love doing stuff like this and posting it to find out other people agree with me 🙏🥹 I don't have enough people to talk to about this!!!!
"Season 3 - 4 mileven
was so toxic"
Explain to me what toxic is in ur perspective because i don't see anything wrong with milevens relationship in those seasons. Toxic relationships include emotional drainage, disrespect, manipulation, and lack of support.
I'm gonna be checking out each of those traits and compare it with mileven
Emotional drainage:
I think it's pretty clear to me that Mileven has never had this kind of issue before because they support each other even after their arguments. Even when they haven't tried to make up to each other, they still hold on to each other
Disrespect:
Season 3 where Hopper tells Mike to lie to El and she senses somethings wrong, Mike and his party mocks girls if i can remember?... and El finds out about this from spying on them
My explanation is that this is js middle school pettiness, while lying and spying are disrespectful behaviours. They are acting out because they don't know how to handle big emotions yet.
Manipulation:
There has never been any kind of manipulation put into the relationship,?... unless I missed something.. tell me in the comments pls
Lack of support:
Again, they support each other, even if it isn't shown much through words Mike still says it through actions (and don't even talk about season 4 argument where Mike is unable to come up with a response because Mike was genuinely shocked by the violence (El attacking Angela), but the moment the police arrested her, he immediately did everything in his power to save her. Like I said, his support is shown through his actions.)
I didn't say much, but I tried, and like, I think I made my point a bit too blurry💔 Idk what to even say cause I've never seen any unhealthy parts of their relationship. Yes, there are fights, but eventually, they resolve everything, and fights are completely normal for couples who are still teenagers who have their flaws. Who doesn't have flaws? Arguments that happen also help strengthen their relationship when they resolve it in the end and mature them better
Flawed ≠ toxic.
The toxic word is often overused in this modern generation. What these kinds of people are actually seeing is just a flawed, realistic portrayal of teenage love (though complicated through trauma)
Mike and El make mistakes, but that doesn't mean they have the intention of destroying each other like that. Social media expects too much perfection on two fictional teenagers
I don't have anyone else to talk to about this cause only 2 of my friends r in the st fandom.. so I'm just dumping all my yaps about mileven
I'm new to posting on tumblr do not insult my choice of designing🙏😭
"Mike used her as a weapon"
Well, he didn't.. He didn't know she had powers for a while but still took her in to stay at his basement, and when he found out they could find Will with her powers they would obviously ask her to, Its their best friend who's missing, a part of his party, who wouldn't ask someone to help look for a friend?... so no, Mike didn't use her as a weapon and a compass just to look for Will.
"Mike was in love with El cause she looked like a boy"
I think it should be pretty obvious he wasn't in love with her just cause she looked like a boy. He literally called her pretty when she had Nancy's dress and wig on. Even without the wig, he still liked her even if her head was shaved.
And I will admit it Mileven did fall off lowk on s4, but it just shows that they aren't the perfect couple like in every single TV show. You guys just look for anything to complain about. Mike Wheeler is just a teenager, so he makes mistakes.
He's not an expert in loving, obviously. It's okay for couples to fight now and then. They just had the best chemistry in s1-3. Social media complains about anything. If I see anyone talking about Mike not being able to say I love you to El as an argument that Mileven is apparently "toxic," I will actually start to CRY. It's not shown or explored much, but Mike's parents did not have the best marriage at home. So he has struggles with expressing love through words...
Mike may not be able to say "I love you" to El (dude, he couldn't even say the word love in front of her..) but at least he does a lot just for her. In s3, he bikes 3 hours to get to her cabin. He knows she doesn't like loud sounds or should i say, trauma triggers. The ship did fall off more on s5, but its because they're too busy saving the world, they still show affection to each other, at least....
"Mike was just pressured to say I love you to El on season 4 cause she was dying on that moment"
Mike wasn't pressured into saying I love you to El, he was scared of losing her (said by him on season 3)
I was debating with someone over how they said mileven isn't a good relationship, and they said
"He couldn't even say he loves her"
"Why did Mike kiss her out of nowhere when she still had the mentality of a kid."
Mike Wheeler cannot express emotions in that way so he expresses it through actions which I think is shown pretty well considering the fact that he thought it would be more better to kiss El when he asked her out to the snow ball which also answers this other statement. Plus, he was still a kid, and she was as well.. im not seeing the problem here other than the writing for this scene. And BTW Mike DID admit that he loved her, just not in front of her (season 3 again)
Mileven is anything BUT toxic..
If you guys still have some argument or maybe something that I haven't thought of clearly js comment or something. PLEASE don't mention byler in the comments as a comeback to this cause all I'm talking about is how mileven IS NOT toxic and nothing else, I don't want to argue over ships. I believe byler is a cute ship though..
